Starbucks has become a well-known brand for its premium coffee, but did you know that Starbucks also offers a matcha latte? Matcha is a popular Japanese green tea powder that has become a staple in many people’s diets. Starbucks matcha latte offers a unique, caffeinated alternative to coffee that can provide numerous health benefits and a delicious experience.
Matcha has been consumed in Japan for centuries, contributing to many health benefits, including improved mood and focus, antioxidant protection, and heart health. Studies have also shown that the antioxidants present in matcha can reduce the risk of certain cancers. Therefore, as opposed to coffee, which is known to produce restlessness and anxiety in large amounts, matcha can provide a calm and alert energy along with health benefits.
Not only is matcha a healthier alternative to coffee, it tastes great too. Starbucks creates their matcha latte with a combination of sweetener and white chocolate mocha sauce, topped with velvety steamed milk and starbucks signature green matcha blended with ice.
So, does Starbucks Matcha Latte have coffee? No, it does not. Starbucks Matcha Latte is entirely caffeine extracted from Matcha powder, not coffee. It is still a stimulant, though, so a single cup of Matcha Latte contains about 70mg of caffeine – about a half to a third of the amount of caffeine in a normal cup of coffee. Therefore, if you are looking for a lighter alternative to coffee with the same energizing effect, Starbucks Matcha Latte is a great option.
But why would someone choose a matcha latte over its coffee counterpart? Besides the benefits of Matcha previously mentioned, its unique flavor is a main selling point. It is sweet, aromatic and earthy all at once, making it a delicious and comforting alternative to coffee. Plus, because Matcha is made up of finely ground green tea leaves, you are consuming not just dobule the amount of antioxidants present in regular green tea, but also the actual leaf itself, making it a more robust and sustained energy source.
If you are looking to switch up your morning drink routine, give Starbucks Matcha Latte a try! Even if matcha’s flavor isn’t your favorite, you can still enjoy its nutritious benefits in lattes, smoothies, and even oatmeal for breakfast.
The Premium Quality of Matcha
When it comes to premium quality matcha, Starbucks isn’t messing around. Made with 100% matcha from the Nishio region of Japan, Starbucks only uses premium stone-ground Japanese green tea. This process produces a finer, more flavourful powder when compared with cheaper alternatives, making it more intense and smooth.
Additionally, Starbucks imports its matcha powder from tea farms located in the Uji region of Japan, where matcha has been produced for nearly 800 years. The Nishio region is renowned for its ideal climate and hillsides, which provide perfect growing conditions for matcha. As a result, the tea leaves are rich in flavor and best used in matcha lattes.
Matcha’s popularity has been on the rise in recent years, and Starbucks has responded with its own version of the matcha latte in three different sizes – tall, grande, or venti – all of which are made with real matcha powder.
Whether it’s purchasing a latte at Starbucks or purchasing the premium grade powder online, consumers can rest assured that they’re getting the highest possible quality when it comes to matcha.
How to Make Matcha Lattes at Home
If you’re looking for an alternative to Starbucks and want to save some money, don’t worry – making matcha lattes at home is not as hard as it may seem. With some basic kitchen equipment, a few ingredients, and an internet connection, you can make a matcha latte from the comfort of your own home.
First, you’ll need the tools to make matcha – a matcha whisk, a strainer, and a chashaku, a bamboo spoon that is specially designed to scoop out matcha powder. You will also need some high-quality matcha powder. It is important to remember that not all matcha powders are created equal, so make sure to do your research before purchasing a matcha powder.
Once you have these ingredients and tools in hand, you’ll need to heat up some water and add it to your matcha powder. Whisk until there are no lumps and until it is creamy. Pour the mixture into a glass, then add milk and your other desired ingredients.
Voila! In just a few minutes, you can make your own matcha latte at home – with the added benefit of not breaking the bank.
Different Variations of Matcha Lattes
One major advantage of making matcha lattes at home is that you are not limited to the same recipe. Since there are endless possibilities in terms of ingredients, you can customize your matcha latte to your own tastes.
Some popular variations include adding different types of milk, including almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk. In addition, you can make a Matcha Mint Latte by adding some fresh mint leaves for a refreshing flavor, or a Matcha Coconut Latte with the addition of some shredded coconut.
You can also mix matcha powder with a variety of ingredients to change it up – from berries, honey and oranges to spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. There’s no need to limit yourself and soon enough you will find yourself creating tasty and unique variations of the original recipe.
How to Enjoy Matcha Properly
Matcha is a powerful, yet delicate source of nourishment, and some precautions should be taken when it come to consuming it. Unlike other beverages, such as black or green tea, matcha contains high levels of caffeine, so it is important to consume it in moderation – no more than three cups per day.
It is also important to note that matcha should only be consumed with food or other beverages – never on its own. Additionally, it’s best to consume matcha with a meal that has sufficient protein, as this helps the body absorb the full benefits of the matcha, without any side effects.
Finally, just like any other tea, matcha should be consumed at the right temperature to get the maximum benefit from its unique combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. International scholar and Kyoto-based master matcha tea maker Adam Goodman recommends heating the water to between 180℉ to 165℉ and using 1/2 teaspoon of matcha for every 6 ounces of water.
Environmental Benefits of Matcha
An often overlooked benefit of Matcha is its positive impact on the environment. Matcha has a low carbon footprint when compared to tea bags or other ground teas that use large quantities of pesticides and chemicals, simply because it is ground down to a much finer consistency and is considered to be more organic.
Additionally, the matcha-growing process employs traditional farming techniques, such as shade-growing and manual harvesting, which preserve the environment as much as possible. As a result, fewer chemicals and pesticides are required, resulting in a matcha less likely to cause adverse health effects.
Moreover, unlike coffee, matcha is grown all over the world, so buying local doesn’t have to be a factor in your decision making. Additionally, when buying matcha in the US, consumers can rest assured that the matcha from Japan is grown in strict accordance with Japanese regulations, which call for sustainable farming practices, safe working conditions, and ethical standards for farms and laborers.
Adding Matcha to Your Diet
Whether you’re a coffee lover looking for a lighter alternative, or someone looking for a sustainable superfood to add to their diet, matcha is a delicious and nutritious option.
With its sweet and earthy flavors, you can make a variety of drinks and dishes with matcha. You can easily mix it into smoothies, oatmeal, milkshakes, and more. And with its many health benefits, you can be sure that you are making an enlightened choice with matcha.
A single cup of matcha can provide you with the same amount of caffeine as coffee, along with the extra health benefits that comes with it. So why not make the switch to matcha and see if it can make a difference in your day to day routine!
